The bagging of the parking meters is aimed at helping local merchants boost sales and has become a tradition in the downtown and north end sections of Manhattan Beach when the city budget permits, according to Mayor David Lester.

While parking fees are waived, spaces still have time-limit restrictions and visitors must vacate the parking space within the time limit or they will be liable for an “Over-Posted Limit” violation, according to officials.

The bagging costs the city an estimated $126,000 in revenue, but for Lester, there’s much more at stake.

“It’s in the spirit of the season,” Lester said. “It’s not necessarily about the sales tax.”

However, the county-owned pier and El Porto beach parking lots will not be bagged.